McKinsey Research reconfirms what past studies have already shown, that focusing on diversity and inclusion in business pays, according to the latest diversity matters report, there's a 39% increased likelihood of business success if you make diversity and inclusion a focus at your business.

New research from Deloitte Digital suggests that many merchants and brands just aren't in tune w/ what consumers want in the way of improved and enhanced experiences. The data shows US-based consumers and executives at well-known retail brands showed 42% of consumers want a simpler and more streamlined website experience.

A 2023 report from digital agency Razorfish found that access to the internet has accelerated Gen Alpha's brand maturity than previous generations. Gen Alphas are expected to command a massive spending power that could outpace previous generations. As the cohort gets older in 2029, Alpha's collective global economic footprint is forecast to exceed $5.46 trillion according to an agency known as Mcreel based in Australia.

Survey from Integral Ad Science indicates social media is the media type, most likely to face serious challenges this year. Results are based on a Sept. 2023 survey of 262 US digital media experts working at ad tech companies, brand agencies, & publishers. Respondents were asked to identify the media type most vulnerable to brand risk in the next year, 52% cited social media. One reason is the risk of ad fraud.

TechTown recognized by the state of Michigan as an entrepreneurial hub, they'll be receiving millions of dollars in federal grant funding. Tech Town and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, were among 27 establishments across the state and the only 2 directly in the city of Detroit to receive the designation from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

Industries that accounted for portions of overall funding for female founders or co-founders include B2B services, pharmaceuticals, biotech with the highest winner being software oriented startups, which accounted for more than a fifth of total venture capital invested in companies founded by men and women, as well as those founded solely by women.

Media Ocean helps us understand just how marketers will be spending their budgets and applying their focus in the coming year highlights: SEO 55% of marketers said that they plan to increase their spend. 56% will increase spend on television. 65% will increase digital display and video spend, and 69% of marketers report that they will increase their spend on social media marketing. The major loser when it comes to increased spend is print.

TikTok announced plans to go further w/ the launch of a shop tab that allows users to discover and complete purchases on the platform. If you think this might be a channel for you. Test the waters before committing to a full sales offering campaign.

Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest, partnered w/ TechTown Detroit, business plans are now being accepted through February 16th for a shot to win a $100K grand prize. The Hatch contest was established in 2012, and allows entrepreneurs w/ a retail concept and goal of establishing a location in Detroit Hamtramck or Highland Park. If you've got a brick and mortar business idea check out the Hatch Detroit Contest at Hatch Detroit.

An opportunity for us when taking a deeper look for those of us who are business owners to get inspired or to get informed about just how the internet is being used by both consumers and businesses these days. Wanna learn more? Go to domo.com to dive deeper into the data.